In the busiest time of year here’s one more thing for your to-do list: Rest.
Or perhaps that’s one less thing. Or a lot less things. But even if you can’t simplify your commitments right now, perhaps you can be intentional with your focus. Take a moment to let your mind, body, and spirit be refreshed.
In the Gospel of Luke, we read about the angelic host announcing the Good News and praising God in the middle of the shepherds’ work. We looked at that last week while considering the unknown emotions swirling under the surface of people’s lives—maybe even your own life.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14
The favor of God is upon you in Christ. He gives you peace. The heavens rejoice—not because of what you can do, but because of what He has done.
In the frenzy of more church activities, more social activities, and more family activities… more, more, more… be sure to leave enough space in your schedule and in your mind to experience His peace.
Use the following acronym as a simple tool to reflect on God’s Word and the peace He so graciously provides through the gift of R.E.S.T.
R—Refresh
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3
E—Express your trust in God as Provider
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
S—Seize the opportunity to gather with community
“There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.”
Leviticus 23:3
T—Thankful that Jesus is your rest
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
You were designed for the blessings of work and rest, so you may recalibrate and refresh your heart, express your trust in God as Provider, gather with God’s people, and experience the eternal rest we find when we come to Jesus.
Don’t miss out on God’s gift of rest this Christmastime.
(The R.E.S.T. acronym is from Life in Rhythm: God’s Design for Work and Relationships, a group-discipleship resource which is newly updated and available for pre-order.)